Learn More
If you’re interested in learning more about Georgia CASA, our work and our challenges, check out information in these sections:
Media Kit
Welcome to Georgia CASA’s online media kit. We’ve provided links to informational videos and other general information about our organization. To request additional information, please contact the Communications & Donor Relations Manager.
The Story of Olga & Jackie: A CASA Volunteer Advocate’s Powerful Impact on a Former Foster Youth |
Big Voice Award |
Duaine Hathaway Tribute Video |
By Giving, We Receive More: Three CASA Volunteer Stories |
- Established Program Award of Excellence 2021 – 8/7/21
- Innovative Program Award of Excellence 2021 – 8/7/21
- Board Leadership Award Recipient 2021 – 8/7/21
- Champion Award Recipient 2021 – 8/7/21
- Volunteer of the Year Award Recipient 2021 – 8/7/21
Publications
CASA Connector E-Newsletter
Stay up to date on all the latest Georgia CASA news and happenings.
E-Newsletter Archive
Child Welfare Statistics
Here’s a by-the-numbers look at the scope of challenges facing the foster care system and CASA programs in the U.S. and in Georgia.
National Child Abuse and Neglect
National CASA
More than 900 CASA programs exist with over 93,000 CASA volunteers
More than 2 million children have been served since CASA was founded in 1977
Approximately 60% more children in foster care need a CASA volunteer
Georgia Child Abuse and Neglect
Georgia CASA
In fiscal year 2021, 9,762 children were served by 2,730 CASA volunteers
More than 9,220 of those children were in the custody of the Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS)
44 CASA programs serve 156 counties and 49 of the 50 judicial circuits
The reports below contain statistical information submitted to Georgia CASA by our affiliate programs.
For further information, please contact us.
Volunteer Resources
The resources listed below are provided for CASA volunteers to reference and use in their training and case work.
On-Demand Trainings
- Best Interest Advocacy – Volunteer Edition (January 2021)
- Juvenile Court 101 (Jul. 2021); Access passcode: ec.D#0#b
- Achieving Permanency through Reunification (Aug. 2021); Access passcode: q2zZv.7!
- DFCS Policy on Reasonable and Prudent Standards and Youth Rights and Responsibilities – coming soon
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- Developing and Maintaining Effective Strategies for Collaborative Relationships with your Juvenile Court and County DFCS
Christopher G. Hemfling, CWLS, Special Assistance Attorney General, DFCS and The Hon. Maureen Wood, CWLS, Rockdale County Juvenile Court
2018 Georgia CASA Conference (Handouts Available here) - Our Work, Their Rights: Supporting Youth Through the Student Disciplinary Process
Maribel Bell, Director of Student Discipline, Fulton County Schools, Robin Brooks and Leia Williams, EPAC District Education Managers, Georgia Division of Family & Children Services
2018 Georgia CASA Conference (Handouts Available here) - Understanding Trauma and Becoming a Trauma Informed Court System
Hon. Michael Key, Troup County Juvenile Court
2018 Georgia CASA Conference (Handouts Available here) - Improving Child Outcomes for Children: Systemic Challenges and Opportunities
Tom Rawlings, Office of the Child Advocate
2017 Georgia CASA Conference (Handouts Available here) - Permanency at the Front Door
Deborah Burrus, Georgia Division of Family and Children Services
2017 Georgia CASA Conference (Handouts Available here) - Resource Toolkit for Child Advocates
Terrence Wilson, Barton Child Law and Policy Center
2017 Georgia CASA Conference (Handouts Available here) - Breaking the Ice – GA’s Cold Case Project to Improve Permanency for Foster Children
Mary Hermann, Kristi Lovelace, Amanda Dean, Karlise Grier and Diana Rugh Johnson, Cold Case Fellows
2016 Georgia CASA Conference (Handouts Available here) - Education Advocacy for Youth with Special Needs
Dmetria Gibson, Georgia CASA
2016 Georgia CASA Conference - Identifying Trauma and Its Effects on Children
Hon. Sandra W. Miller, Paulding County Juvenile Court
2016 Georgia CASA Conference
- Developing and Maintaining Effective Strategies for Collaborative Relationships with your Juvenile Court and County DFCS
- Georgia Child Welfare Legal Academy – over 30 current, specialized topics from court practice, reinstatement of parental rights, guardianship, access to healthcare, older youth, CHINS, etc.
- Committee on Justice for Children Livestream Channel – current events and training across the state specific to child law, welfare and delinquency
Resources
General Advocacy
Georgia Statute for CASA
Georgia CASA Quick Reference Guide: Best Interests of the Child
Georgia CASA Quick Reference Guide: Role of the GAL
Georgia CASA Quick Reference Guide: Access to Case Information
The Guardian ad Litem in Dependency Proceedings: A Guide to Best Interest Advocacy
Strengthening Legal Representation Guide
Fostering Court Improvement
DFCS Policy
DFCS Forms
Teen Parents in Foster Care
Putative Father Registry
Georgia Corrections Prisoners
Information and Referral:
211 – Get Connected and Get Help
Georgia Crisis & Access Line
Georgia Center for Resources and Support (Adoptive and Foster Parents)
Georgia SCORE – Out of Home Care
Facility Location and Information Guide
Georgia Dept. of Early Care and Learning (DECAL) or 1-877-ALL-GA-KIDS
Foster Care Support Foundation
Strengthening Families Georgia
Social & Emotional Competence of Children
Education Advocacy
Checklists, Tips and Forms
Educational Advocacy Checklist
Judicial Checklist
Educational Stability Checklist
Georgia CASA Quick Reference Guide: Education Advocacy
Georgia CASA Quick Reference Guide: Special Education Advocacy
References
Educational Stability & Transportation Funds
DFCS Educational Programming, Assessment, and Consultation Services (EPAC)
Team Child Manual
Georgia Department of Education
National Working Group on Foster Care and Education
Improving Higher Education Outcomes for Students from Foster Care
The Legal Center for Foster Care and Education
GA/RYSE Education
EMBARK Georgia
Education-Related Legislation
Fostering Connections to Success and Increasing Adoptions Act:
Summary
Chafee Educational Training and Voucher (ETV) Program:
ETV in Georgia
ETV in Georgia Webinar
IDEA:
IDEA 2004
Every Student Succeeds Act:
ESSA Implementation Toolkit
Georgia’s State Plan for ESSA Implementation
FAQs about ESSA Transition
Training Webinars:
General Education Advocacy – slides and link to recording (passcode: 04!dtr.^)
Special Education Advocacy – slides and link to recording (passcode: CBEHH1%F)
Permanency
Georgia CASA Quick Reference Guide: Permanency Options
Casey Family Programs
Cold Case Project Summary
Family to Family, Tools for Rebuilding Foster Care – Team Decision Making: Involving the Family and Community in Child Welfare Decisions
Engaging Non-Resident Fathers: A Guide for CASAs
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren and FAQS
Older Youth
Resources for Youth
DFCS Independent Living Specialist Contact Information
Individual Development Account (IDA) Matching Savings
Foster Care Alumni of America
Foster Club
Transition Toolkit
Leaving Foster Care: Questions & Answers
Leaving Foster Care: Checklist
Your Rights in Foster Care
Independent Living Program
EmpowerMEnt
Multi-Agency Alliance for Children
V-Street
The Orange Duffel Bag Initiative
Chris180 Clubhouse
Families First COACHES Program
Well-Being
Georgia CASA Quick Reference Guides: Trauma & Well-Being, Part 1 and Part 2
Reasonable & Prudent Parenting
Supporting Youth in Foster Care in Making Healthy Choices: A Guide for Caregivers and Caseworkers on Trauma, Treatment, and Psychotropic Medications
Misdiagnosis and Missed Diagnoses in Foster and Adopted Children With Prenatal Alcohol Exposure
DailyMed (package inserts)
AACAP Facts for Families
Marcus Autism Center
Federal and State Policy